Passive Head Support Device for a Vehicle Passenger

ABSTRACT

A passive support device to support a slouching body position of a passenger in a vehicle generally comprises a frame having adjustable members to conform the frame to a passenger seat of the vehicle, wherein various portions of the frame are adjustable with respect to a reference x-axis, a reference y-axis, and/or a reference z-axis. The device further comprises a securing mechanism to secure the frame to the passenger seat, and support cushions coupled to and rotatable about a portion of the frame. The support cushions may comprise memory shape materials or a contoured shape to accommodate an anatomical feature of the passenger. The support cushions themselves may also be adjustable with respect to a reference z-axis.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Passengers in a vehicle, particularly young children, routinely fall asleep while traveling. When asleep, the passenger's head and/or upper body tend to slouch to one side or the other resulting in an uncomfortable, contorted sleeping position. Such slouching by the sleeping passenger may disturb other passengers as the sleeping passenger leans on other passengers, or the slouching may irritate the sleeping passenger themselves as they lean upon other parts of the vehicle, such as the door, window, armrest, etc for extended periods of time. Moreover, if there is no other passenger or parts of the vehicle to lean against, the sleeping passenger may completely slouch to one side, placing severe strain upon the sleeping passenger's back, side, neck, etc. Thus, the sleeping passenger cannot rest comfortably and upon waking, finds themselves amidst irritated passengers or with a sore neck, back, arms, etc. This unsupported slouching may, at an extreme, even cause injury.

It is generally well known that children's car seats often come equipped with side head rests/supports, which are one part of the child car seats many safety features and act to prevent injury to the child during a side impact. These side head rests also advantageously act to support a child's head should they fall asleep. However, as the child outgrows the car seat and moves to a booster seat or traditional adult restraint system, such as a lap and shoulder belt, there is no longer a side head rest to act as support while asleep. Thus, there is a long felt need for a vehicle passenger head support device to alleviate the shortcomings as described. Moreover, there is a need for a passive support device because, unlike active support devices in the prior art, a child will not generally permit an active support device such as, a head/neck support pillow, head straps, and the like to be coupled directly to the child.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In various representative embodiments, the present invention comprises a passive support device to support a slouching body position of a passenger in a vehicle. The passive support device comprises a frame having adjustable members to conform the frame to a passenger seat of the vehicle, wherein first portions of the members are adjustable with respect to a reference x-axis and second portions of the members are adjustable with respect to a reference y-axis. The passive support device further comprises a securing mechanism to secure the frame to the passenger seat, and support cushions coupled to and rotatable about third portions of the members.

In another representative embodiment, the present invention comprises a device to support a passenger in a vehicle comprising; a frame having a first portion that extends substantially horizontally to conform to a top rear of a passenger seat, a second portion coupled to a first end of the first portion, and a third portion coupled to a second end of the first portion, wherein the second and third portions extend from their respective first and second ends of the first portion to conform from the top rear of the passenger seat to a top front of the passenger seat. The device further comprises fourth and fifth portions that couple, respectively, from the second and third portions, and conform to traverse substantially vertically along the height of the passenger seat, from the top front of the passenger seat towards a passenger seat bottom. In this representative embodiment, the fourth and fifth portions may be at least partially encased by a pliable cushioning material to provide comfort for the passenger. The device also comprises a securing mechanism to secure the frame to the passenger seat.

In yet another representative embodiment, a device to support a passenger in a vehicle, comprises; a first u-shaped frame member and a second u-shaped frame member coupled together by a substantially horizontal third member. The first and second u-shaped members conform to a passenger seat, from a front of the passenger seat to a rear of the passenger seat, and support cushions are coupled to at least a portion of the first and second u-shaped frame members at the front of the passenger seat.

Among the various representative embodiments summarized, the representative embodiments may also comprise various other features. For example, frame or frame members of the representative embodiments may further comprise studs that insert into head rest receptacles of the passenger seat or comprise straps that couple to integral car seat anchors. Support cushions or cushioning material may comprise memory shape materials or a contoured shape to conform to an anatomical feature of the passenger. In some representative embodiments the support cushions or cushioning material may be adjustable with respect to a reference z-axis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the following illustrative Figures. In the following Figures, like reference numbers refer to similar elements and steps throughout the Figures.

FIG. 1 representatively illustrates a passive support device used to support a slouching body position of a passenger in a vehicle;

FIG. 2 representatively illustrates a portion of the passive support device showing exemplary pivotable aspects of the invention;

FIG. 3 representatively illustrates the passive support device secured to a passenger seat;

FIG. 4 representatively illustrates the passive support device secured by alternate manners to a passenger seat;

FIG. 5 representatively illustrates a contoured support cushion for the passive support device;

FIG. 6 representatively illustrates a passive support device comprising assembled frame members;

FIG. 7 representatively illustrates a passive support device comprising malleable frame members; and

FIG. 8 representatively illustrates a passenger engaged with a passenger support device.

Elements and any steps in the Figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence. For example, any elements that may be assembled, and/or any steps that may be performed either concurrently, sequentially or in any permutative order are illustrated in the Figures to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various representative implementations of the present invention may be applied to any passenger seat of any vehicle that may benefit from a device that supports a slouching passenger. Certain representative implementations for the device may include, for example: passenger seats in a car, a boat, a motor home, an airplane, a train, or any other vehicle that comprises a passenger seat.

Turning now to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 representatively illustrates support device 100 to support a slouching body position of a passenger in a vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment, support device 100 may comprise frame 110 having adjustable members 101 and 102 that are capable to conform frame 110 to a passenger seat, such as passenger seat 370 shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 6 and 7 of the vehicle (not shown), wherein first portions 103 and 104 of members 101 and 102 may be adjustable with respect to reference x-axis 105. To further conform frame 110 to the passenger seat, second portions 112 and 113 of members 101 and 102 may be adjustable with respect to reference y-axis 106. Support device 100 may also comprise securing mechanism 120 to secure frame 110 to the passenger seat, and device 100 may comprise support cushions 130 and 131 to cushion the slouching passenger. Support cushions 130 and 131 may encase at least a portion of and be rotatable about third portions 142 and 143 of members 101 and 102.

In accordance with exemplary embodiments, adjustable members 101 and 102 or any of the various elements of frame 110 may comprise of various natural or synthetic materials or combinations of both, such as, metals, metallic alloys, or plastic materials. For example, steel, aluminum, polycarbonate, bakelite, and the like are materials that may be used to provide rigidity for frame 110. In an exemplary embodiment, adjustable members 101 and 102 may be adjustable by any manner that allows the adjustable members to be adjusted and secured. For example, and with continued reference to FIG. 1, members 101 and 102 may comprise portions, such as first portions 103 and 104, which may be adjusted using a nested tubular configuration so that one portion, such as first portion 103, may slide within another portion, such as first portion 104, thereby establishing an overall length, such as overall length 117. Moreover, overall length 117, determined by adjusted portions 103 and 104, may be secured by any holding mechanisms to prevent movement. For example, adjustable portions 103 and 104 may be securely held in place by using various clamps, screws, bolts, nuts, springs, push buttons, friction fits, guides, pins, lock and keys, tabs, orifices, ties, and the like.

In an example of a holding mechanism and illustrated by FIG. 1, first portion 103 of adjustable member 101 may be nested and configured to slide within first portion 104 of adjustable member 102 to adjust overall length 117. As can be seen, first portion 103 comprises a typical push button mechanism 150, and as first portion 103 slides within first portion 104, push button mechanism 150 may engage at least one of a number of discretely spaced push button receptacles, such as push button receptacles 152. In this manner, overall length 117 may be adjusted and securely held.

It should be noted that the adjustability and holding mechanism of the exemplary embodiment described, with respect to first portion 103 of adjustable member 101 and first portion 104 of adjustable member 102, may be similarly applicable to other portions of the adjustable members, such as second portions 112 and 113, and third portions 142 and 143, wherein third portions 142 and 143 may be adjustable with respect to reference z-axis 107. In some exemplary embodiments, device 100 may comprise various adjustable portion combinations. For example, a frame may only comprise adjustable first portions, or the frame may comprise only adjustable first and third portions, or only adjustable first and second portions, etc. In addition, the frame may be manufactured in a custom manner such that the various portions are not adjustable.

In accordance with exemplary embodiments, frame 110 may comprise alternate manners to adjust the lengths of the various portions or frame members. For example, the various portion of the frame may comprise telescopic features.

In accordance with exemplary embodiments, and turning now to FIG. 2, device 100 may be configurable in other manners other then merely the lengths as described above. For example, areas where the various member portions intersect may be pivotable so as to further tailor frame 110 to the passenger seat or the passenger. For example, first portion 104 and second portion 112 that intersect at intersection 265 may pivot with respect to one another. For example, intersection 265 may pivot in a direction about reference z-axis 107 and/or in a direction about reference x-axis 105. Similarly, second portion 112 and third portion 142 that intersect at intersection 260 may pivot with respect to one another. For example, intersection 260 may pivot in a direction about reference x-axis 107 and/or in a direction about reference y-axis 106.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment and with continued reference to FIG. 2, support cushion 130 may also be adjustable. As mentioned, support cushion 130 may be adjustable with respect to reference z-axis 107, but third portion 142 of adjustable member 102 may likewise be adjustable with respect to reference z-axis 107. In this manner, third portion 142 may be adjustable or the support cushion itself may be adjustable with respect to reference z-axis 107. Moreover, support cushion 130 may rotate in a direction about reference z-axis 107, as shown by direction indicator 208. In this manner, support cushion 130 can be adjusted to further accommodate the passenger, either by rotating it, for this support cushion, in a clockwise direction to more securely support a slouching position of the passenger, or in a counter-clockwise direction to move support cushion 130 away from the passenger during non-use. In similar manner support cushion 131 (FIG. 1) may likewise be adjusted with respect to reference z-axis 107 or about third portion 143 of adjustable member 101.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment and with reference now to FIG. 3, device 100 may comprise securing mechanism 120 to secure frame 110 of device 100 to passenger seat 370 of the vehicle. In one representative embodiment, securing mechanism 120 may comprise of at least one clip that extends from a portion of frame 110, such as first portions 103 and/or 104. Securing mechanism 120 may extend from frame 110 a discrete distance, such that securing mechanism 120 engages at least a portion of backside 372 of passenger seat 370. In this manner, frame 110 is deterred from becoming dislodged from passenger seat 370 and frame 110 will maintain its position. For example, and with continued reference to FIG. 3, it can be seen how frame 110 is secured as securing mechanism 120 and support cushions 130 and 131 “sandwich” passenger seat 370 between them. The securing mechanism, as shown by clips 120 in FIGS. 1-3, is merely one exemplary securing mechanism, and other manners to secure frame 110 to passenger seat 370 may be used.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, securing mechanism 120 and perhaps portions of frame 110 may comprise additional securing features or comprise different securing mechanisms. In one example, securing mechanism (clips) 120 shown in FIGS. 1-3 may comprise additional pins, screws, hooks, adhesives, and the like to further secure frame 110 to passenger seat 370. For example, clips 120 and/or portions of frame 110 may comprise Velcro® type patches to engage “latch” frame 110 to fabric elements of passenger seat 370. If passenger seat 370 is comprised of a leather or vinyl type material, then patches of rubber or other “non-slip” type materials may be used to further inhibit movement of frame 110.

As mentioned, frame 110 may also comprise different securing mechanisms. For example and with reference to FIG. 4, frame 110 may comprise studs 481 and 482, which may be of a similar configuration to typical studs coupled to or part of a headrest, such as head rest 487. In an embodiment, a headrest, such as head rest 487, may be removed and frame 110, comprising similar type studs, such as studs 481 and 482, may be positioned within the head rest stud receptacles, such as head rest stud receptacles 483 and 484. In this manner, frame 110 is secured to passenger seat 370.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, frame 110 may comprise straps to secure frame 110 to passenger seat 370. With continued reference to FIG. 4, frame 110 may comprise straps 485 and 486. Straps 485 and 486 may be coupled to any portion of frame 110, but as shown in FIG. 4, straps 485 and 486 may be coupled to third portions 142 and 143 (not shown). To anchor frame 110 to passenger seat 370, the other end of straps 485 and 486 may be coupled to a secure portion of passenger seat 370. For example, straps 485 and 486 may be coupled to car seat anchors 488 and 489, but they may also be coupled to any other portion of passenger seat 370 that can secure the straps.

It should be noted that the securing mechanisms of device 100 are not limited merely by the exemplary embodiments described, but may comprise any other mechanisms that can secure the present invention to a passenger seat, whether now known or developed in the future. Moreover, device 100 is not limited to comprise of only one type of securing mechanism, but rather any combination of securing mechanisms may be employed. For example, device 100 may comprise any combination of securing mechanisms, such as clips 120, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, studs 481 and 482, and/or straps 488 and 489.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, device 100 may comprise cushioning materials/support cushions 130 and 131, as shown in FIGS. 1-5, 7 and 8 to support the slouching passenger. Cushions 130 and 131 may comprise various types of coverings and fillers, either natural or synthetic, to provide comfort. For example, cushions 130 and 131 may comprise various pliable foams, low viscous gel fillers, leather, vinyl, and the like, and any combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment and with reference to FIG. 5, cushion 530 may comprise contoured portion 590 to provide enhanced comfort to the slouching passenger. Moreover, and as stated, the cushion may comprise a low viscous gel filler, wherein the gel filler allows the cushion to conform to and mold itself about anatomical features of the slouching passenger as they apply a force of their weight to the cushion. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the cushions may comprise memory shape material, such that the cushion conforms to and molds itself about anatomical features of the slouching passenger as they apply a force of their weight to the cushion in similar fashion as the gel filled cushion described above. In this embodiment, though, the memory shape material returns to its normal configuration once the force of the weight of the slouching passenger is removed.

In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, the present invention comprises a passive device. The device does not interact with the passenger until the passenger falls asleep and/or slouches to one side. In this manner, the passenger is not restrained from movement while awake and can enjoy free movement. Unlike neck/head support pillows, restraining straps, helmets, etc., the present invention provides a unique manner in which to aide a sleeping/slouching passenger.

Throughout the specification, the present invention is described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. Various modifications and changes may be made, however, without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims. The specification and Figures are illustrative, rather than restrictive, and modifications or alternative configurations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. For example, the present invention (device 100) is described as comprising frame 110 having adjustable members 101 and 102, wherein members 101 and 102 comprise various portions, such as first portions 103 and 104, second portions 112 and 113, and third portions 142 and 143. However, other frame configurations may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, instead of a frame having various adjustable portions, a frame may comprise of a number of separate elements having discrete lengths that may be assembled together to form the desired frame configuration.

For example and with reference to FIG. 6, an assembled frame 610 of a device 600 may comprise a first portion 602 that may extend substantially horizontally along top rear 691 of passenger seat 370, a second portion 613 coupled to first end 615 of first portion 602, and third portion 612 coupled to second end 616 of first portion 602, wherein second portion 613 and third portion 612 may extend from their respective first and second ends of first portion 602 at top rear 691 of passenger seat 370 to top front 692 of passenger seat 370. Frame 610 may further comprise fourth and fifth portions 642 and 643 that couple, respectively, from second and third portions 612 and 613, and traverse substantially vertically along the height of passenger seat 370 from top front 692 of passenger seat 370 towards passenger seat bottom 695, wherein fourth and fifth portions 642 and 643 may be at least partially encased by a pliable cushioning material (not shown) to provide comfort to the passenger. Similar to previous exemplary embodiments, assembled frame 610 may comprise various securing mechanisms described to secure frame 610 to passenger seat 370.

In another exemplary frame embodiment a frame may comprise malleable frame members that “bend” to custom tailor the frame to a regular or irregular passenger seat. For example, and with reference to FIG. 7, frame 710 of a device 700 may comprise malleable first u-shaped frame member 701 and malleable second u-shaped frame member 702 coupled together by substantially horizontal third member 704, wherein first and second u-shaped members 701 and 702 conform to passenger seat 370 from front 771 of passenger seat 370 to rear 372 of passenger seat 370; and support cushions 130 and 131 may couple to at least a portion of first and second u-shaped frame members 701 and 702 at front 771 of passenger seat 370. This exemplary embodiment provides malleable frame members such that frame 710 may be “bent” formed to any regular or irregular shaped passenger seat. Similar to previous exemplary embodiments, frame 710 may comprise various securing mechanisms described to secure frame 710 to passenger seat 370.

Turning now to FIG. 8, FIG. 8 representatively illustrates a manner by which slouching passenger 875 engages passive head support device 800 of the present invention. Passive head support device 800 is an exemplary embodiment of the present invention as described throughout the specification and may comprise similar elemental components as described and may operate in a similar fashion with respect to devices 100, 600, and/or 700. It is evident by FIG. 8 how passenger 875, when in a slouched position, is supported in a comfortable manner by device 800. Furthermore, it is also clear how device 800 operates in a passive manner. If passenger 875 were not in the slouched (sleeping) position, passenger 875 would have generally unrestricted movement of their head, for example, to turn their head, lean forward, etc. It isn't until passenger 875 slouches to one side or the other that device 800 interacts with passenger 875.

In sum, the scope of the present invention should be determined by the claims and their legal equivalents rather than by merely the exemplary embodiments described. For example, the components and/or elements recited in any of the device claims may be assembled or otherwise operationally configured in a variety of permutations and are accordingly not limited to the specific configuration recited in the claims.

Moreover, benefits, other advantages and solutions to problems are described throughout the specification with regard to particular representative and exemplary embodiments; however, any benefit, advantage, solution to problem or any element that may cause any particular benefit, advantage or solution to occur or to become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required or essential features or components of any or all the claims.

Lastly, as used throughout the specification, the terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprising”, “having”, “including”, “includes” or any variation thereof, are intended to reference a non-exclusive inclusion, such that any process, method, article, device, composition or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements recited, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, device, composition or apparatus. Other combinations and/or modifications of the above-described structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials or components used in the practice of the present invention, in addition to those not specifically recited, may be varied or otherwise particularly adapted to specific environments, manufacturing specifications, design parameters or other operating requirements without departing from the general principles of the same. 

I claim:
 1. A passive support device to support a slouching body position of a passenger in a vehicle, comprising: a frame having adjustable members to conform the frame to a passenger seat of the vehicle, wherein a first portion of the members are adjustable with respect to a reference x-axis and a second portion of the members are adjustable with respect to a reference y-axis; a securing mechanism to secure the frame to the passenger seat; and support cushions coupled to and rotatable about a third portion of the members.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein a horizontal member of the frame further comprises the securing mechanism and the securing mechanism comprises at least one clip that extends from the horizontal member to a position at a back side of the passenger seat.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the securing mechanism comprises studs to insert into head rest receptacles of the passenger seat.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the securing mechanism comprises straps to couple to integral car seat anchors.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the support cushions comprise memory shape materials to conform to an anatomical feature of the passenger.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the support cushions are contoured to accommodate an anatomical feature of the passenger.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the support cushions are adjustable with respect to a reference z-axis.
 8. A device to support a passenger in a vehicle, comprising: A frame comprising a first portion that extends substantially horizontally along a top rear of a passenger seat; a second portion coupled to a first end of the first portion, and a third portion coupled to a second end of the first portion, wherein the second and third portions extend from their respective first and second ends of the first portion at the top rear of the passenger seat to a top front of the passenger seat; fourth and fifth portions that couple, respectively, from the second and third portions, and traverse substantially vertically along the height of the passenger seat from the top front of the passenger seat towards a passenger seat bottom, wherein the fourth and fifth portions are at least partially encased by a pliable cushioning material to provide comfort to the passenger; and a securing mechanism to secure the frame to the passenger seat.
 9. The-device of claim 8, wherein the first portion further comprises the securing mechanism, and the securing mechanism comprises at least one clip that extends from the first portion to a position at a rear side of the passenger seat.
 10. The device of claim 8, wherein the securing mechanism comprises studs configured to insert into head rest receptacles of the passenger seat.
 11. The device of claim 8, wherein the securing mechanism comprises straps to couple to integral anchors of the passenger seat.
 12. The device of claim 8, wherein the pliable cushioning material comprises memory shape materials to conform to an anatomical feature of the passenger.
 13. The device of claim 8, wherein the pliable cushioning material is contoured to accommodate an anatomical feature of the passenger.
 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the pliable cushioning material is adjustable with respect to a reference z-axis.
 15. The device of claim 8, wherein at least one of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth portions are adjustable along its length.
 16. A device to support a passenger in a vehicle, comprising: a first u-shaped frame member and a second u-shaped frame member coupled together by a substantially horizontal third member, wherein the first and second u-shaped members conform to a passenger seat from a front of the passenger seat to a rear of the passenger seat; and support cushions coupled to at least a portion of the first and second u-shaped frame members at the front of the passenger sea.
 17. The device of claim 16, wherein a length of the horizontal third member is adjustable.
 18. The device of claim 16, wherein the first and second u-shaped frame members comprise a malleable material to securely conform the first and second u-shaped frame members to the passenger seat.
 19. The device of claim 16, wherein the support cushions comprise memory shape materials to conform to an anatomical feature of the passenger.
 20. The device of claim 16, wherein the support cushions are contoured to accommodate an anatomical feature of the passenger. 